SEARSBURG, Vt., – Vermont State Police say a New Jersey man was driving when he collided with a moose on Route 9.

According to authorities, police responded to the area of Vermont Route 9 and Vermont Route 8 in Searsburg around 10:20 p.m. Friday.

An investigation revealed that the driver, William Fairweather, 69, was traveling eastbound at the time of the crash. Fairweather, of New Jersey, said the moose came out onto the road and he did not have enough time to react. The moose’s head struck the driver’s side of the windshield and hit the driver’s side door, according to police.

Fairweather was not injured in the accident. However, the moose did not survive.

A Vermont State Game Warden arrived on scene and removed the moose from the scene.

Vermont State Police say the adult Bull Moose was donated to a local family for its meat.

The public is reminded to use caution while driving at night during this time of the year as moose become more prone to being hit by vehicles.